Trump and Xi wrap up ‘highly successful’ talks with limited agreements announced

By Muhammad MubashirPublished On 16 May 2026

US President Donald Trump left Beijing after a two-day summit saying he had struck "fantastic trade deals, great for both countries", but few details have emerged on what the two superpowers agreed.

Trump arrived for a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, accompanied by several CEOs: a high-profile business delegation spanning agriculture, aviation, electric vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI) chips.

Trade was near the top of the agenda despite recent tensions over the Iran war, and businesses hoped for key deals as well as an extension of the tariff truce that is due to expire in November.

The visit was defined by warm rhetoric and symbolism. Trump was wooed with a packed itinerary that included an honour guard, a state banquet, and an invitation to the exclusive compound where China's Communist Party leaders live and work.

The US president seemed impressed and invited Xi to the White House in September. He said talks had been "very successful", while Xi called it a "historic and landmark" visit.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed on Friday that Xi would visit the White House in the autumn.

But neither side has announced trade breakthroughs or significant business deals.

President Trump, however, spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One and said China had agreed to buy 200 Boeing jets, with a potential commitment to buy an additional 750 planes. The aerospace giant confirmed the deal.